Date Pit Napkin Rings

One Ramadan tradition consistent across Muslim cultures is to break fast with dates. As a nod to that tradition, make date pit napkin rings for Ramadan. Their rustic look add a lovely cottage country detail to your dinner table – and they are a great way to recycle.

Materials

90 dates (about 2 boxes)

Drill press (such as Dremel tool and workstation)

3/64″ drill bit

Pliers or small jaw clamp

0.5 mm white cord

Linseed oil

Cloth

Steps

Remove pits from dates. Place in bowl of warm water and let sit for 24 – 72 hours until throughly clean. This process allows pits to soften for easier drilling and gives them an appealing colouration.

Fit drill bit into drill press. Secure date pit into pliers and drill hole into side of date, as shown in picture. Repeat with rest of dates.

String 15 dates through the cord at a time; tie knot to make a ring. Repeat with rest of dates.

Dampen a cloth with linseed oil and apply to napkin rings for a shiny finish.